Kategoria BISAC: Religion >> Biblical Studies - New Testament - Jesus, the Gospels & Acts

This historical reappraisal of the Acts of the Apostles, written in narrative form, allows the reader to understand the biblical author's worldview, historical and ideological assumptions, and purposes as they were communicated through portions of this work. Marion Soards analyzes the speech texts by comparing them to writings from ancient history, rhetoric, and midrashic interpretation of scripture. He points out the interesting features in the speeches and highlights the thematic similarities. Soards provides a clear picture of the manner of writings in Acts, the theology, and the...

William Herzog shows that the focus of the parables was not on a vision of the glory of the reign of God but on the gory details of the way oppression served the interests of the ruling class. The parables were a form of social analysis, as well as a form of theological reflection. Herzog scrutinizes their canonical form to show the distinction between its purpose for Jesus and for evangelists. To do this, he uses the tools of historical criticism, including form criticism and redaction criticism.

The Sermon on the Mount and the Lord's Prayer are at the heart of the New Testament and the key to the message and life of Jesus. In this book, Rudolf Schnackenburg provides a clearly written and easy-to-understand exegesis of the Sermon on the Mount in light of the Lord's Prayer. By doing so, he demonstrates that the strenuous requirements for true discipleship as prescribed in the Sermon on the Mount are indeed attainable especially when read in the contest of Jesus' whole message.

Mark, often eclipsed by the other Synoptic Gospels, is now considered by many biblical scholars to be the earliest written gospel. This conclusion would place Mark closest to the historical Jesus. In his book, Douglas Hare examines Mark for modern Christians who are in search of the Jesus portrayed in these earliest known writings. What emerges is a Jesus whose moral and religious teachings are of secondary importance to the very fact of his life, death, and resurrection. For it is the Jesus depicted in Mark that serves as the window through which we may see God. God's love for humankind,...

William Barclay brings to these "best-known stories in the world" new force and significance for the modern reader. Each chapter analyzes an individual parable--identifies its theme, explains it in the light of the language and customs of the ancient world, and clearly interprets its meaning for us today.

The William Barclay Library is a collection of books addressing the great issues of the Christian faith. As one of the world's most widely read interpreters of the Bible and its meaning, William Barclay devoted his life to helping people become more faithful disciples of Jesus...

The book opens with a discussion of the origin, development, and interrelationships of the Four Gospels. After a chapter-length treatment of each canonical Gospel and the non-canonical Gospels, the work concludes with a discussion of the "historical Jesus" debate.

In An Introduction to...

J. Ellsworth Kalas presents new insight into twelve of Jesus' parables by entering them through a unique starting point, a creative retelling, a new "lens," or the eyes of a minor or unsympathetic character. A study guide is included.

Chapters include:

1. The Value of the House - Matthew 7:24-27
2. The Man Who Talked with His Soul - Luke 12:13-21
3. What Chance Does an Average Sinner Have? - Luke 7:36-48
4. The Importance of Downward Mobility - Luke 14:7-14
5. The Danger of Being Good and Empty - Matthew 12:43-45
6. Risky Business -...

How did the Church begin?

The book of Acts spans thirty years and is a record of the spread of Christianity from the coming of the Spirit on the day of Pentecost to Paul's arrival in Rome. This self-study guide will enable you to understand the formation and the development of the Church. Patterns of church life and principles for missionary work are among the topics discussed.
The books in the "Jensen Bible Self-Study Guide" series are designed to provide you with a broader understanding of God s Word. Offering historical context and background, author information, charts, and other...

What would it have been like to know Christ during His life on earth? What was He really like? How can we live more Christ-like lives? This self-study guide follows Christ's footsteps from birth to death and gives us a clearer understanding of His purpose for the world and for each of us as individuals. It shows us how to apply Christ's teachings to our daily lives.

The books in the Jensen Bible Self-Study Guide series are designed to provide you with a broader understanding of God's Word. Offering historical context and background, author information, charts, and other...

Reta Halteman Finger finds a solution to this modern problem by learning from the ancient Mediterranean Christian culture of community. In the earliest Jerusalem church, in holding the responsibility for preparing and serving communal meals, women were given a place of honor. With the table fellowship and goods sharing of the early church, Luke...